The 29-year-old forward has been scrutinised for his level of performance this season after netting just one goal from 17 appearances in all competitions - 14 of which have come in the Premier League.

For a side losing their relegation battle - Villa sit rock bottom of the table, nine points from safety with nine games to go - it clearly has not been good enough from Agbonlahor, who has incurred the wrath of supporters in recent months.

Garde, on the other hand, refuses to criticise his man, insisting that the goal-shy Villans veteran is 100 percent committed to the cause in the West Midlands.

“I can’t think that he’s not 100 per cent involved and committed to the future of Aston Villa," the French manager was quoted as saying by The Express.

“He knows he has a responsibility as a senior player and long-term Villa player.”

Shane Callaghan

Shane is a Dublin-based sports writer who swapped the football pitch for the press box upon learning that he was better with a pen than with a round bit of leather. Prior to joining HITC, Shane enjoyed spells with Sports Mole and Goal.com among others, while he was also club reporter for Irish football club Drogheda United.